Alfreton Town sign former Huddersfield Town defender Leigh Franks

Published:13:19Thursday 23 June 2011

Share this article

ALFRETON Town have made their fourth signing of the summer with the capture of ex Huddersfield Town central defender Leigh Franks.

The former Terrier was released in May after two years as a professional but a total of four years at the Galpharm Stadium where he has made numerous appearances for Huddersfield’s reserve side after progressing through their academy.

A strong, commanding six-foot tall right-sided defender, Leigh joined Huddersfield from Bridlington Town as a 16-year-old in 2007.

Prior to Bridlington, Franks had several years with Scarborough FC’s centre of excellence as a junior.

Has had loan spells at Fleetwood Town and Oxford United last season where he made five appearances for Chris Wilder’s side in npower League Two.

Leigh is an all-round sportsman who is a keen golfer and cricketer, representing Scarborough district schools at cricket.

Alfreton assistant manager Russ O’Neill explained how delighted both he and Nicky Law were to land Franks. He said: “He is a very good lad who we have had an eye on for a while. Everyone we have spoken to about him speaks highly of him, especially Chris Wilder.

“He is the right age, he wants to improve himself and he is coming here for all the right reasons. We are over the moon to have him and can’t wait to get him in and get him going.”